14 September 2015
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini underlined the strength of their opponents ahead of tomorrow evening’s Champions League group game at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking to the media after watching his charges complete training, Pellegrini began: "Tomorrow we come up against a very strong side. They reached the final last season and have won four titles in a row.
"Maybe they didn’t have the best start to their current league campaign, but this is a different competition. They will be motivated."
Turning his attentions to the team at his disposal, the 61-year-old confirmed that striker Sergio Aguero would miss the encounter after sustaining a knee injury in Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace, but stressed that he still had several attacking options, boosted by the availability of Raheem Sterling and David Silva, both absent from the Citizens’ most recent victory.
Meanwhile, he expressed hope that midfielders Fernandinho and Samir Nasri would both make recoveries from their respective knocks in time for tomorrow’s meeting with the Bianconeri.
“Aguero is out of contention, but we have Wilfried Bony and Sterling can also play as a forward so we have different options. We’ll see if Kevin De Bruyne will start, as he played very well the other day against Palace.
“Fernandinho and Samir Nasri are not yet 100 per cent fit, but, fingers crossed, they will both be ready in time for tomorrow.”
Taking the media hotseat after the Chilean was club captain Vincent Kompany, who echoed his manager’s positivity ahead of tomorrow night’s game while acknowledging the challenge posed by Massimiliano Allegri’s men.
The Belgian began: “Each game brings with it massive pressure and everybody knows that Juventus are a strong team but we’re well prepared. We should always believe in ourselves and that ought to be the basis of our Champions League approach.”
When asked about his team’s perfect start to 2015/16, winning all five of their opening fixtures without conceding a goal, the 29-year-old wrapped up proceedings with the press by praising the strength of this current City side.
“It’s important to make a statement and we have to show our qualities. Based on our bright start to the season, the early signs show that this is one of the strongest squads we’ve ever had but let’s wait and see.”
